With the broad use of Picatinny rail systems on modern tactical rifles, the ability to accessorize a weapon for a specific mission has become almost pedestrian in its familiarity. Need a long gun set up for night operations? How about for a CQB role? Need one set up as a precision rifle? With the proper gear, some basic tools and a few minutes, this can be accomplished with ease.

For the modern AR rifle owner, there are many options out there on this front. Do you have a standard-pattern carbine or rifle with a non-railed handguard? Then read on to take a look at some of options out there for upgrading your weapon. Already have a forend with a rail system but are looking for some accessories for it that will enhance your rifle’s handling characteristics? For the newest and best in rail covers, magazine well grip enhancers and vertical foregrips, then read on to find out some of your options.

Aim Sports AR/M4 Combo Kit

Aim Sports AR/M4 Combo Kit

The AR/M4 Combo Kit (V1) from Aim Sports has everything you need to customize an AR, with a quad-rail, a vertical foregrip and flip-up front and rear sights. The quad-rail handguard has four Picatinny/Weaver-style rails for mounting tactical lights, laser aiming devices and other accessories. The handguard also free-floats the AR’s barrel for better accuracy. The flip-up front sight can mount directly to the handguard’s top rail while the 4.25-inch vertical foregrip attaches at the bottom of the rail. The flip-up rear sight mounts to the AR’s flattop receiver.

The new, free-floating AR-15 Six-Sided Forends from Advanced Technology International (ATI) have two less sides than eight-sided handguards, so they are sleeker and weigh less. The Six-Sided Forend also helps dissipate barrel heat more quickly, which is especially useful for rapid fire. These handguards are available in carbine, rifle, and 15-inch versions, and they can utilize FSB nose cone. Made of mil-spec Type III hardcoat anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the handguards have a matte black finish.

The one-piece MMR Rail systems from Black Dawn are made from 6601 aluminum and free float the barrel with a patented barrel nut adapter system. The rails come in three different lengths: MMR-M (mid length), MMR-R (rifle length) and MMR-L (15 inches). The MMR systems have a rail at the 12 o’clock position and have points for additional rail attachment at the 45 degree and 90 degree angles. They accept Magpul MOE rail sections. The MMR Rail systems work with the Osprey gas piston system, and are available in black, Flat Dark Earth and OD green.

The KMR (KeyMod Rail) system from Bravo Company is smaller than a conventional Picatinny rail so the handguard has less bulk in hand. The outside measures 1.5 inches flat to flat, and for a 13-inch rail it weighs only 7.7 ounces with mounting hardware. Since it uses the more universal KeyMod rail system, operators can use a variety of accessories from different manufacturers. Available in a black finish, the KMR-13 rail is made from a blended aluminum and magnesium alloy that is 30 to 40 percent lighter than aluminum.

The BCM Gunfighter Short Vertical Grip is short and compact, offering quick attachment and detachment with a direct-mount KeyMod interface. A spring-loaded clamp allows the grip to be mounted to most KeyMod rails. Attach it in reverse so the grip angle offers additional control in rapid fire. The polymer grip features an aggressively textured surface and is available in black, Flat Dark Earth wolf gray and foliage green.

The CAA Folding Vertical Grip is built for quick deployment, giving an operator a textured, palm-filling grip for better weapon control. The grip locks into five different positions and can be folded out of the way when not needed. The Folding Vertical Grip is designed with ergonomics in mind and is constructed from glass-reinforced polymer. The grip can be locked into one of five positions.

The MGRIP2 from Command Arms Accessories (CAA) is a two-piece polymer magazine well grip. The setup provides a sure grip for operators who like to grip the AR’s magazine well when firing. Fingers grooves are built into the MGRIP2 for even more grip adhesion. The unit weighs only 2.8 ounces, helps protect the lower receiver and is available in black, green and khaki.

The Crimson Trace MVF- 515 is a multi-role vertical foregrip system that incorporates three tactical tools into one package. The core of the MVF-515 is the ergonomic foregrip, which features a 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tang for strength and rigidity. In addition, the system features either a modular red or green laser unit (users can switch them out) paired with an LED light. Activation of the light and laser units is ambidextrous and instinctive as soon as the grip is handled. Both light and laser functions are programmable, and a master on/off switch permits a complete shutdown of the unit.

The third generation of rail from Daniel Defense, the Lite Rail III, offers better structural integrity while improving functionality. It is machined from one piece of aluminum and requires only four bolts to attach to your AR. Swivel points are integrated into the left and right side of the rail. The AR-15 Lite Rail III free-floats the AR’s barrel for added accuracy and, depending on the model, can be used with gas block/front sight setups or with low-profile gas blocks.

This new handguard from Diamondhead is perfect for carbines/SBRs and measures 8.75 inches along the top Picatinny rail. As with all Diamondhead modular VRS (Versa Rail System) handguards, short or long accessory rails (KeyMod and Picatinny) and ergonomic bumpers can be attached to the side and bottom accessory holes. making it easy for operators to reconfigure their AR’s mission-critical accessories quickly.

The Carbon Fiber Free Float Tube from DPMS stays cooler than standard aluminum handguards, and it weighs less. The entire unit weighs only 4.7 ounces. And at only 2.1 inches in diameter, this handguard feels thin in the hand. The 12.6-inch tube free-floats the barrel for improved accuracy. Constructed of fiberglass and carbon fiber, it is as light as it is strong.

Ergo’s 6.8-inch-long Textured Slim Line Rail Covers protect rails from damage when a weapon is knocked about. It also protects a shooter from that sharp, raspy feel in bare hands. The covers are made of Santoprene and provide a rubbery sure-grip surface. They are easily cut for a custom fit and are available in black, Dark Earth, OD green, coyote and pink.

The Fortis SWITCH free-float handguard is designed for the DPMS high-profile .308 platform and features a patent-pending locking mechanism that allows for tool-less removal of the rail. The handguard is made of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, and the locking handle is constructed of 7075-T6 aluminum. It features a continuous Picatinny top rail and KeyMod strips at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions for numerous custom mount- ing options. The unit is 14.76 inches long and weighs 10 ounces.

The Geissele Super Modular Rail MK5 handguard features both traditional Picatinny-style rails along with KeyMod attachment points. Two lengths of the MK5 are offered: 9.5 or 13 inches. Both are ergonomic, have an outside diameter of 2.1 inches and free-float the AR’s barrel. The 9.5-inch models weigh 8.5 ounces, while 13-inch models weigh 10.9 ounces. The MK5 is available in black and Desert Dirt Color (DDC) finishes.

The Guntec USA 10-inch, narrow-profile quad-rail with a monolithic top rail is designed to provide a rock-solid free-floating forend to the tactical end-user. Manufactured from T6 aluminum for strength, the lightweight rail comes in black or Cerakote Dark Earth, and it features a proprietary steel barrel nut system. The rail system slides over the nut and is locked up against the receiver with six screws for rigidity.

Hogue’s 9.5-inch forend extension works with either Hogue’s carbine- or rifle-length tubes, and it fits over low-profile gas blocks. The extension is made from aluminum and has a knurled texture. Slots in the extension tube allow for the attachment of included Picatinny rails, barricade stops and sling swivels. The unit is available in black.

Designed by a USMC combat veteran, the Grip Stop Mod 2 offers a variety of grip angles to prevent an operator from locking their wrist, and it can be used as a barricade stop. Manufactured from a solid billet of aluminum, it features a hardcoat anodized black finish. The Grip Stop weighs slightly over 3 ounces and mounts directly to any Picatinny rail.

The AFG (Angled Fore-Grip) is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and stable grip without fatigue. The grip positions the hand high on the centerline of the barrel’s bore to help mitigate recoil, and the grooved serrations along with finger grooves give an operator better control. Constructed of polymer, the AFG mounts to any Picatinny-style rail and weighs less than 3 ounces. The AFG is available in black, Flat Dark Earth, OD green and Stealth Gray.

Magpul offers its MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) handguards in three lengths: carbine, mid and rifle. The handguards are compatible with both direct impingement and gas piston operating systems. Slots at the 2, 6 and 10 o’clock positions offer operators plenty of rail mounting options. All MOE handguard are constructed of heat-resistant polymer and feature an aluminum heat shield.

The slim (1.5-inch diameter) MI-SSK KeyMod Rail is also lightweight. The 12-inch version weighs only 8.5 ounces. Tough and rugged, the rail is constructed from 6061 aluminum and features a hardcoat anodized black finish. The top is a long Picatinny-style rail, and the sides are KeyMod. Both rail types offer numerous attachment points for accessories. It is fully dehorned for a non-abrasive feel.

Designed to fit on POF AR 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO rifles, the M Rail handguard is available in 11- and 14-inch lengths. A fully integrated Picatinny rail runs along the top of the upper receiver. Additional Picatinny rails, provided with purchase, can be placed on the sides, bottom and top of the handguard. Made from lightweight aluminum, the M Rail handguard is light but rugged.

The Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) DI KeyMod Handguard comes in three lengths: 9.75, 12.1 and 15 inches. The longest—the 15-inch version—weighs 13.3 ounces. The slim width makes the handguard more ergonomic, and the KeyMod system allows for multiple accessory attachments in a variety of locations to truly customize your AR. The top rail is a Picatinny-style rail, and the barrel is free-floated for better accuracy. Integral sling swivel attachment points are built in.

This forward hand grip is designed for those who train and operate with their support hand well forward on the forend of a rifle. Designed to help shooters maximize control of the weapon, the SE-5 grip allows the shooter to keep his or her shoulders square to the target with elbows in and thumbs forward. The grip features an armor-like soft coating for comfort and control, and it is available in black, earth, green and MultiCam colors.

Integrating everything you need into a single unit, the M900 series of WeaponLights from SureFire provides a capable tactical tool to the operator. Designed to attach to Picatinny rail forends, these vertical foregrips deliver a bright white, pre-focused, LED beam of light combined with low-output navigation lights available in white, red, blue or infrared. Rail clamps are available in thumbscrew or throw-lever variants.

The Stubby vertical grip from TangDown is designed to be less likely to snag on gear. It attaches to any Picatinny rail via a quick-detach throw lever. The grip is grooved for a sure hold, and a small storage compartment is located in the butt. It is constructed from impact-resistant polymer and a metal mounting fixture. The grip is available in black, foliage green and Flat Dark Earth.

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